Have a box of old toys gathering dust in your attic? Whether it’s a pile of action figures your kids outgrew or a treasure trove of vintage collectibles from your childhood, those toys could be your ticket to extra cash! Selling old toys is not only a fantastic way to declutter but also a chance to tap into the growing market of collectors and nostalgic buyers. But with so many platforms out there, where do you start?
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 best places to sell old toys—both online and locally—to maximize your profits and minimize your hassle. From global marketplaces to neighborhood garage sales, I’ve got you covered with practical tips, pricing strategies, and insider advice to make your selling journey smooth and lucrative. Plus, I’ll answer burning questions like “Are my 90s toys worth anything?” and share secrets to spotting valuable items. Let’s dive in and turn your old toys into cold, hard cash!
🎯 Why Sell Old Toys? The Benefits Are Endless!
Before we jump into the where, let’s talk about the why. Selling old toys offers a slew of benefits:
- Earn Extra Cash: From a few bucks to thousands, toys can fetch surprising prices, especially rare or collectible ones.
- Declutter Your Space: Free up room in your home by letting go of items you no longer need.
- Nostalgic Joy: Connect with buyers who share your love for retro toys, passing on cherished memories.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Selling toys keeps them out of landfills and gives them a new life.
Ready to cash in? Here are the top 10 places to sell your old toys, each with unique advantages to suit your needs.
🏆 The 10 Best Places to Sell Old Toys
1. eBay: The Global Toy Marketplace
Best for: Collectibles, vintage toys, and reaching a worldwide audience.
eBay is a powerhouse for selling old toys, thanks to its massive global reach and active collector community. Whether you’re offloading rare Star Wars figures or a box of well-loved Barbie dolls, eBay connects you with buyers willing to pay top dollar.
2. Once Upon a Child: Hassle-Free Local Selling
Best for: Gently used children’s toys and instant cash.
Once Upon a Child is a chain of stores specializing in gently used kids’ items, from toys to clothes. If you want a quick, no-fuss sale, this is your go-to.
3. Kid to Kid: Another Local Gem
Best for: Selling a mix of toys, clothes, and baby gear locally.
Similar to Once Upon a Child, Kid to Kid buys and sells gently used children’s items. It’s perfect for parents looking to offload toys alongside other kid-related gear.
Why It’s Great:
- Same-day evaluations and payments (cash or store credit).
- Accepts a wide range of items, including seasonal toys like outdoor playsets.
- No online hassle or shipping costs.
Tips for Success:
- Present clean, high-quality items to maximize your offer.
- Store credit often gives a better deal, so consider it if you shop there.
- Visit during less busy hours for faster service.
4. Etsy: The Vintage and Handmade Haven
Best for: Vintage, collectible, or handmade toys.
Etsy is a goldmine for selling vintage toys (over 20 years old) or unique, handmade items. Its niche audience loves one-of-a-kind finds, making it ideal for rare collectibles.
Why It’s Great:
- Attracts buyers seeking unique or nostalgic toys.
- Global reach for higher-value items.
- Etsy’s seller resources help you price and market effectively.
Tips for Success:
- Highlight the toy’s history or rarity in your listing.
- Use high-quality photos to showcase details.
- Be prepared for listing and transaction fees (around 6.5% per sale).
5. Facebook Marketplace: Local and Global Reach
Best for: Quick local sales or reaching a broad audience.
Facebook Marketplace lets you sell toys to local buyers or ship them nationwide. It’s user-friendly and fee-free for local sales, making it a versatile option.
Why It’s Great:
- No listing fees for local sales.
- Easy to connect with nearby buyers for fast transactions.
- Option to ship items expands your buyer pool.
Tips for Success:
- Meet in safe, public places for local sales (e.g., police station parking lots).
- Price competitively to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
- Respond promptly to buyer inquiries to seal the deal.
6. Mercari: The Online Selling App
Best for: Sellers who prefer online-only transactions.
Mercari is a mobile-friendly marketplace where you can list toys for sale without meeting buyers in person. It’s great for those who value convenience and anonymity.
Why It’s Great:
- Simple listing process via the app.
- No in-person meetups—everything is handled through shipping.
- Appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Tips for Success:
- Account for Mercari’s 10% selling fee when pricing.
- Offer free shipping to attract more buyers.
- Package items securely to avoid disputes.
7. ToyBuyers: Instant Quotes for Collectibles
Best for: Rare or vintage toys you want to sell quickly.
ToyBuyers (a fictional name for platforms like Sell Your Toys Now) specializes in buying collectible toys directly from sellers, offering instant quotes for items like LEGO sets, Barbie dolls, or Star Wars figures.
Why It’s Great:
- Fast process: Scan a barcode or submit details for a quick offer.
- No waiting for buyers—they purchase directly.
- Ideal for high-value or niche collectibles.
Tips for Success:
- Provide accurate details about condition and packaging.
- Compare offers with other platforms to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Ship promptly to secure your payment.
8. Garage Sales: The Classic Cash Grab
Best for: Low-value toys and bulk sales.
Hosting a garage sale is a timeless way to sell toys, especially if you have a mix of low-value items or want to clear out multiple categories at once.
Why It’s Great:
- Immediate sales with no online hassle.
- Bargain-hungry buyers expect low prices, ensuring quick turnover.
- Great for bundling toys with other household items.
Pricing Guide:
- Small toys (e.g., action figures): $0.50–$3.
- Board games or puzzles: $2–$7 (ensure all pieces are included).
- Large toys (e.g., playsets): $5–$25, depending on condition.
Tips for Success:
- Advertise your sale on local Facebook groups or community boards.
- Display toys attractively to draw attention.
- Be ready to negotiate—buyers love a deal!
9. Craigslist: Local Sales, No Fees
Best for: Local sales without a Facebook account.
Craigslist is a tried-and-true platform for selling toys locally, with no fees and a straightforward listing process.
Why It’s Great:
- No listing or selling fees.
- Local focus means quick, in-person sales.
- Great for bulky items like ride-on toys.
Tips for Success:
- Meet in safe, public locations and bring a friend.
- Include clear photos and detailed descriptions to attract serious buyers.
- Be cautious of scams—only accept cash for in-person deals.
10. Toy Collector Forums: Niche Communities
Best for: High-value collectibles and connecting with enthusiasts.
Online forums like Reddit’s r/toycollecting or dedicated toy collector websites are hidden gems for selling rare items to passionate buyers.
Why It’s Great:
- Direct access to collectors who value rare toys.
- Build trust through community engagement.
- Often fee-free, depending on the platform.
Tips for Success:
- Join forums and participate before selling to establish credibility.
- Provide detailed provenance (e.g., original packaging, purchase history).
- Use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods and Services.
🔍 How to Maximize Your Toy-Selling Success
Selling toys isn’t just about picking a platform—it’s about strategy. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck:
- Research Value: Check eBay’s “sold” listings, Etsy, or toy collector forums to gauge your toy’s worth. Look for brand, age, rarity, and condition.
- Clean and Repair: Wipe down toys and make minor fixes (e.g., reattaching parts) to boost appeal.
- Price Smart: Price slightly below market value for quick sales, or higher for collectibles if you’re patient.
- Take Great Photos: Use natural light, plain backgrounds, and multiple angles to showcase your toys.
- Write Compelling Listings: Highlight brand, condition, and any unique features (e.g., “Mint condition 1995 Furby, unopened”).
- Be Safe: For in-person sales, meet in public places and avoid sharing personal details.
❓ FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
How Do I Know If My Toys Are Worth Money?
Most toys have some value, but rare, limited-edition, or unopened items fetch the highest prices. Research similar items on eBay, check toy collector forums, or use apps like ToyBuyers to scan barcodes for instant quotes. Popular brands like LEGO, Barbie, or Pokémon often hold value.
Which 90s Toys Are Worth Money?
The 90s were a golden era for collectibles! High-demand items include:
- Beanie Babies: Rare ones like Princess Diana Bear can sell for thousands.
- Pokémon Cards: First-edition Charizard cards are worth up to $300,000.
- Tamagotchis and Furbies: Unopened units can fetch $100–$500.
- Power Rangers Figures: Mint-condition sets go for $50–$200.
Condition is key—unopened packaging skyrockets value.
How Can I Sell Toys Fast?
For speed, prioritize local options like Once Upon a Child, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales. Online, Mercari and ToyBuyers offer quick turnarounds. Price competitively and respond to inquiries promptly.
What’s the Best Platform for High-Value Toys?
eBay and Etsy are top choices for collectibles due to their global reach and collector base. Toy collector forums are also excellent for niche, high-value items.
🎉 Final Thoughts: Start Selling Today!
Selling old toys is a win-win: you declutter your space, make extra cash, and bring joy to new owners. Whether you’re selling a single Hot Wheels car or an entire collection of vintage LEGO sets, there’s a platform for you. Local options like Once Upon a Child and garage sales offer speed and simplicity, while eBay and Etsy unlock global markets for higher profits.
So, dig through your attic, dust off those toys, and start your selling adventure! Have a favorite platform or a toy-selling success story? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep the nostalgia alive and the cash flowing.
What’s the most valuable toy you’ve ever sold? Drop your story below! 👇
